Reuters Entertainment News Summary

08/17/2016 8:56

Following is a summary of current entertainment news briefs.

Hollywood classic 'Ben-Hur' gets modern remake

"Ben-Hur," the 1959 movie epic that won 11 Oscars, has received a Hollywood revamp -- but its makers say the famed chariot race still relies on humans and horses, not special effects. "Boardwalk Empire" actor Jack Huston takes on the role for which the late Charlton Heston was named Best Actor, playing the young Jewish noble Judah Ben-Hur, who is sent into slavery by Roman occupiers but returns to take his revenge.

Harry Potter 'Cursed Child' producers crack down on scalpers

Tickets for London stage play "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" are in such high demand that asking prices are reaching thousands of pounds (dollars), but producers are warning buyers to be beware. Holders of about 60 tickets bought from touts, or scalpers as they are known in the United States, or through resale websites have been refused entry so far because producers are barring resold tickets. The eighth story in the Harry Potter franchise is sold out through December 2017 at London's Palace Theatre.

Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion sells for $100 million

The famed Los Angeles Playboy mansion belonging to Hugh Hefner, founder of the Playboy empire, has been sold for $100 million, and Hefner, 90, will live in the mansion for the rest of his life, a representative for the buyer said in a news release on Tuesday. The property was bought by Daren Metropoulos, a principal at private equity firm Metropoulos & Co, for half of the $200 million it was initially listed for earlier this year.

'A Star is Born' again with Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga

Pop singer Lady Gaga and Oscar-nominated actor Bradley Cooper are joining forces to remake classic Hollywood musical drama "A Star is Born," Warner Bros said on Tuesday. Cooper, 41, who has been nominated for four Oscars including acting and producing 2014's "American Sniper," will make his directorial debut on the movie, while Lady Gaga, 30, will make her feature film lead acting debut.

Hill, Teller play arms dealers in 'War Dogs'

Actors Jonah Hill and Miles Teller take on the roles of arms dealers in dramedy "War Dogs," the latest offering from "The Hangover" director Todd Phillips. The movie, inspired by a true story, follows the pair as they get a $300 million deal through the U.S. Department of Defense to arm the Afghan military.

'Suicide Squad' soundtrack tops Billboard 200 chart

The soundtrack for comic book movie "Suicide Squad" took top billing on the weekly U.S. Billboard 200 charts on Monday in the best showing for a film soundtrack since "Pitch Perfect 2" in May 2015. The "Suicide Squad" soundtrack features songs from Twenty One Pilots, Skrillex and Panic! At the Disco and other artists, and sold more than 182,000 album units, according to figures from Nielsen SoundScan.

Johnny Depp, Amber Heard divorce, ending 'volatile' relationship

Actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard privately settled their divorce case, the actors said in a joint statement on Tuesday, a day ahead of a court hearing on the status of a restraining order that Heard had filed against Depp. The settlement ending the 15-month marriage comes after weeks of highly publicized claims of domestic violence by Heard, 30, and counterclaims of financial blackmailing by Depp, 53.

'Star Trek Beyond' cast greeted in South Korea by fans

The cast of "Star Trek Beyond" hit the red carpet in Seoul on Tuesday to meet and greet fans days before the film's release in South Korea. Scores of screaming fans took pictures of and with the movie stars, including Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Simon Pegg, as they entered the venue and signed autographs.

Box Office: 'Sausage Party' scores with $33.6 million, 'Suicide Squad' plunges in second weekend

"Sausage Party" scored at the box office this weekend, debuting to a meaty $33.6 million and providing a much-needed win for struggling Sony Pictures. In a summer dominated by spinoffs and reboots, the story of a gang of grocery items grappling with the dangers of the kitchen was an antidote to sequelitis and a reminder of the power of original ideas.

'I'm fine' singer Newman says after brain tumor returns

British singer John Newman, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor for the second time, said on Tuesday he was "absolutely fine" and hopes to bring awareness to the condition. The 26-year-old was first diagnosed with a non-cancerous tumor in 2012. He told fans this month the tumor had returned.

08/17/2016 8:56